A common planning question in purchasing is whether you are looking at live supply and demand, or a snapshot tied to the last allocation run. In Cetec ERP, that distinction shows up in the two part waterfalls: the standard waterfall and the allocation waterfall.

Both views help you understand projected quantity on hand, but they do it with different refresh behavior and different levels of detail. Knowing which one you are looking at prevents bad callouts on shortages and avoids chasing changes that are not reflected in the data you are using for MRP.

What the Standard Waterfall Shows

The standard waterfall is up to the minute. When you open or refresh the standard waterfall, it reflects the latest supply and demand data currently in Cetec ERP.

What the Allocation Waterfall Shows

The allocation waterfall uses data from the most recent allocation refresh performed by the system. It is not up to the minute. By default, this same snapshot is what is used when you run a refresh of MRP.

How to Check the Age of Allocation Data

If you are looking at the allocation waterfall, you can confirm how current the snapshot is by checking the age indicator at the top of the screen. That tells you when the allocation data was last refreshed.

Other Differences That Affect Purchasing Decisions

Beyond refresh timing, there are a couple practical differences that change how you interpret the waterfall when you are reviewing shortages or planning buys.

• The allocation waterfall includes bin information.
• The allocation waterfall shows projected quantity on hand shifting one order or purchase order at a time, rather than one day at a time.

In practice, the allocation waterfall is usually more detailed, while the standard waterfall is usually more current. If you are trying to understand why a specific order is consuming inventory, the allocation view can be the better lens. If you are validating the most current picture after transactions have been posted, the standard view is the better check.

Key Takeaways

• The standard waterfall reflects current supply and demand when you refresh the page.
• The allocation waterfall reflects the most recent allocation refresh, which is also the default snapshot used for MRP refresh.
• Allocation includes bin information and shows projected on-hand changes line by line, which can be helpful when tracing a specific consumption event.
• Check the age indicator on the allocation waterfall to confirm how current the snapshot is before making purchase decisions.

Conclusion

Standard waterfall and allocation waterfall answer slightly different questions in Cetec ERP. When you match the view to the decision you are making, you get clearer shortage signals and a more reliable basis for purchasing and MRP planning.